Movin’ On Up!
As some of you know Matt is currently enrolled at The University of South Florida here in Tampa working towards a criminology degree. Now that the spring semester has ended I am happy to report that Matt is officially an upperclassman with a junior status!
He started his college career back in 2021 at The University of Central Florida in Orlando but was only physically there for the first semester of his freshman year before his cancer diagnosis. He continued to take online classes there until we eventually transferred him to USF.
Over the years he’s missed some semesters due to treatments, started some semesters but couldn’t finish, and had to change majors and universities. Even though we only live 30 minutes from the campus, Matt takes all online classes as they are very flexible. He can do them while getting treatment and there’s no crowded rooms. Though his bedroom where he studies does get crowded with cats from time to time.
Most of his friends have already graduated and started their careers, but he is on a bit of a different path than most. We try to remind him that there’s more than one way getting from point a to point b. Some get there fast. Some get there slow. Some get detoured. Some take the scenic route. In the end you eventually get there.
Matt actually seems to have more of an appreciation for learning much more so than 5 years ago when he started. He enjoys taking the classes and learning new things. His GPA reflects this with a 3.62 average. This is better than I got at college, and I did not have anything near the hurdles he has.
There’s an old Chinese proverb that says when life places stones in your path, be the water. A persistent drop of water will wear away even the hardest stone.
Keep the droplets coming Matt. The stone will turn to sand in no time.
Thank you for the update. Everyday I pray for Matt and his parents asking God for healing, strength and peace. God is the creator of miracles & I believe He will continue to create a miracle for you. God bless you and Your mom and dad…Felice
I haven’t seen Matt in such a long time, but he still stays on my heart and in my prayers often. Thank you so much for starting this blog and sharing his journey with all of us. I’ll definitely continue following along.
I am so proud of Matt for continuing to push forward toward his degree and excelling in school despite all the setbacks he has faced. A 3.62 GPA while going through treatments is truly incredible and says so much about his strength and determination. He should be so proud of himself for not letting this hold him back.
Sending continued prayers, love, and encouragement to all of you.
Love & hugs,
Lara
Thanks Lara for visiting. It can sometimes be a challenge for him to keep focused on school with all the ongoing treatment, but encouragement like this goes a long way.
Matt you continue to be an amazing man and make your parents and everyone else so proud!
WOW Matt!!! You are AMAZING!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Thank you for the update John. We will Never stop praying for All of you to find whatever you need to get through each day.
Keep fighting Matt Strong!!!
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Lots of Love Lopilato’s!!!
“Aunt Bubba”
Thanks Aunt Bubba! We know we can always count on you during these times.
Wow! That is impressive Matt! Great job! That’s a GPA to be proud of.
Hang in there, you got this.
Outstanding GPA. WTG Matt!!!! We think of you and pray for you every single day…all of you. Hang in there neighbors! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Linda and family. We're very fortunate to have such great neighbors like you. Thanks too for the feast you sent over to the house last week. We all enjoyed it.! Maybe too much.